Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.
The Impact You’ll Make in this Role
Requirements
As Chief Financial Officer, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all financial operations to ensure San Antonio Zoo’s long-term sustainability and compliance. Reporting to the Zoo President and working closely with the Board and Executive Team, you’ll manage financial planning, budgeting, compliance, risk management, and contract administration. Your efforts will drive the zoo’s operational efficiency, financial strength, and alignment with regulatory requirements. Here you will make an impact by:
Financial Strategy & Oversight
Direct the development and execution of the zoo’s operating and capital budgets, aligning with strategic goals.
Monitor and report on financial performance, recommending adjustments as needed.
Oversee financial forecasting, modeling, and scenario planning for programs, exhibits, promotions, and partnerships.
Maintain internal financial controls and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
Serve as staff liaison to the Finance and Investment Committee, providing analysis and guidance on budget assumptions, reserves, and financial risks.
Evaluate and implement financial systems, tools, and processes to improve efficiency and data accessibility.
Guide financial reporting for the Board of Directors, President/CEO, staff, and external stakeholders.
Regulatory & Legal Compliance
Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal financial regulations.
Partner with city officials and government agencies on compliance and policy matters.
Lead the preparation and submission of annual budgets, audits, and financial reports.
Contract Administration
Review, draft, and negotiate contracts to ensure legal compliance and alignment with zoo interests.
Authorize contracts and agreements on behalf of the zoo.
Operational Leadership
Oversee the Accounting/Finance team, assessing structure, staffing, and performance.
Lead the business planning process and support financial decision-making across departments.
Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance resource allocation and efficiency.
Participate in the annual audit process.
Mission Support
Integrate conservation-focused initiatives into financial operations, such as reducing waste and energy use.
Inspire financial stewardship aligned with the zoo’s mission to protect wildlife.
Your Skills And Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
Minimum 10 years of financial leadership experience, ideally in a nonprofit, educational, or similar environment.
At least 8 years of senior management experience overseeing multiple functions or departments.
Strong knowledge of GAAP, budgeting, cost accounting, financial forecasting, and risk management.
Experience with accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite.
Skills & Attributes
Strategic thinker with strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to present financial data clearly to diverse audiences.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable to shifting priorities.
Ethical, collaborative, and mission driven.
Competencies
Leadership & Integrity: Leads by example, demonstrating personal integrity and ethical behavior.
Analytical Thinking: Uses data and analysis to drive sound financial decisions.
Change Management: Adapts and leads others through organizational change.
Communication: Delivers clear, effective messages tailored to the audience.
Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through.
Teamwork: Works cross-functionally to achieve common goals.
Guest Focus: Understands how financial stewardship impacts guest experiences and overall mission.
The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Finance and Sales
Industries
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at San Antonio Zoo by 2x
